[swinnipeg]

In Canada each province has a fairly strong teacher union. In Manitoba for example a teacher with 10 years experience will earn approximately $95K CAD (more than most software developers here). This with strong pension benefits that can be collected at 55. I know teachers that retired in their late 50s, and will continuing making 70% of their inflation adjust salaries until they die.

Relatively speaking this salary/benefits has higher expected lifetime earnings than a software developer.

One negative is that the unions are also strong enough that teachers can't be fired/replaced for performance (this is similar to Police...etc). As with any profession the worst of the bunch is very bad, and unfortunately they keep doing it until their fifties at the cost of the children.

[orzig]

Honestly asking: How are the kids doing? Is there a positive impact from the arrangement?

[gedy]

I think this applies to the US as well, at least California.

[enragedcacti]

It varies significantly by state. Five states explicitly outlaw collective bargaining by teachers and 32 states require it with various limitations on the scope of items that can be negotiated. Some states also have restrictions on striking.

https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/how-strong-ar...